Transcript

The football champion and humanitarian was honoured with a state funeral at St Paul's Cathedral.

Twelve-hundred mourners attended the service.

But as Guy Stayner reports, thousands more were watching outside at Federation Square, to honour a remarkable life.

(Footage of people gathered in Federation Square, Melbourne)

GUY STAYNER, REPORTER: For a man who proved so hard to stop in life it seemed fitting Jim Stynes death brought Melbourne to a standstill.

While dignitaries and AFL identities were among the 1,200 mourners, thousands more gathered outside St Paul's Cathedral to hear the moving service.

GARRY LYON, FORMER TEAMMATE: Big Jimmy would have loved this, he thrived on a big crowd. If he was here he'd have us all standing up, waving our hands above our heads and singing, turning to the person next to you giving them hugs and shoulder massages.

GUY STAYNOR: And he would have loved the courage his wife displayed honouring his request to read a poem for their children.

SAMANTHA STYNES, WIFE: Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

GUY STAYNOR: But tears were never far from the surface.

BRIAN STYNES, BROTHER: (Crying) He was an inspiration to us all and we could not have a better son, brother and uncle.

I tried following in his footsteps but they were always too big. I will miss you Stynser, my brother and my best friend.

(Footage of Jim Stynes playing AFL)

GUY STAYNOR: The service celebrated a remarkable life, the Irish immigrant who crossed the globe to play Australian Rules and became the game's best player; setting records that may never be broken.

PAUL CURRIE, REACH FOUNDATION: Jim was adamant that his battle with cancer was going to be public because he wanted to draw light on the fact that there are many people struggling with all types of illnesses and their lives are just as important and as noble as his was.

GUY STAYNOR: Ironically it was Stynes' selfless attitude that made his life special. In establishing the Reach Foundation for disaffected youth, Jim Stynes proved much more than a footballer.

PAUL CURRIE: (Crying) You're my business partner, my teacher, my guardian and my best friend. We all wanted to be like Jim. You were a warrior poet who was ahead of his time and your legacy gives us all the greatest code to try and live our lives by.

(Footage of coffin being carried through the Cathedral)

GUY STAYNOR: His Irish and Australian heritage was featured as grand old flags around the state flew at half-mast.

The Federation Square crowd spontaneously gave him three cheers - twice.

Melbourne players formed a guard of honour for the cortege that took Stynes on a final journey past the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).